467 
.1 



-*' 






In Pfrmoriam. 



HASBROUCK DAVIS. 



gortt, April 19, 1827. §H*d, October 19, 1870. 






NOT PUBLISHED. 



187 1 



<\ 



<■ 



V 



.•y 



HASBROUCK DAMS. 




agASBKOUCK DAVIS, third son of John Davis, known 
^ft^ii; "Honest J - born in W -iehu- 

:s, on the 19th of April, 1827. His education com- 
menced in the public schools of his native town, and, after 
:ig through their various grades with credit to him- 
. ed Williams College in 1541. H - ed a 

reputation for industry and ability while there, and gradu- 
ated with an unblemished record of college life in 1845. On 
his return to W Tea eher 

in the High School Here he remain r r, winning the 

resp-r n of his pu : . - - as the confidence of 

- 

He had an eai ish to fit himself for the ministry, and, 

at the close . _ _ ad to spend ?hort 

period in German; purpose of j. e . imself in the 

German language, that he might thereby enable himsel: 
command the stores -man thought, both in hi? 

and :'.. _ ...U pursuit. He spent the time during his ab- 
sence chiefly in Heidelberg gaged in thos - rhieh 
he would find ad him in his subsequent cu 
To be a Chr r had been the first purpose of his 
- Id enough to comprehend its duties : and, 
when he had passed through a preparatory comae : - 
he was settled in Watertown as Past : : the Unitarian B 
• 



In November, 1850, he married Miss Martha W. Stickney, 
daughter of Josiah Stickney, Esq. 

The connection between him and the Parish remained one 
of harmony, till the seed sown by his German studies had 
taken root and began to bear fruit. Ere long he announced 
to his parishioners that his theological opinions had changed 
in consequence of new views by which he interpreted the 
Scriptures. This frankness did not diminish the respect of his 
people ; on the contrary, so highly did they estimate his talents 
and acquirements that they wished him to remain, although 
they admitted they could not adopt his sentiments. But this 
his conscience forbade. Unless he had their full sympathy he 
felt that no good could result from his labors. And the tie 
between them was dissolved. 

His chosen occupation gone, he commenced the study of 
law in Boston, and when admitted to the Bar in 1854 he opened 
an office in that city. The busy West, offering more attractions 
to his active temperament, he went, in 1855, to Chicago, and set- 
tled permanently there. He soon found friends in the home of 
his adoption. He had become well established as a lawyer, 
had acquired the confidence and respect of his clients, had won 
the love and friendship of those who knew him in private life, 
and was beginning to realize the reward which follows industry, 
when the war-whoop was sounded. His ardent nature kindled 
in every fibre. The questions involved had engrossed his 
thoughts and inspired his enthusiasm for years before, and 
now, the very existence of his country being in peril, he felt 
that she had the first right to every man's labor and life. He 
put his business into the hands of a partner and left Chicago to 
be added to the list of self-sacrificing men, who perilled all for 
the nation in this struggle. We leave others to speak of his 
deeds while in the army. 

On returning to Chicago, after peace was secured, he success- 

■i 



fully recommenced the business his long absence had scattered, 
and in 186- the city elected him as her attorney. 

At the expiration of these official duties, he made arrange- 
ments for a tour in Europe, and sailed in the Cambria on the 
8th of October last to execute this plan. The wreck of that 
vessel closed tjbe mortal career of a man who was one of Na- 
ture's noblemen. He was gifted in an unusual degree with bod- 
ily and mental vigor. Tall (over six feet), well proportioned, 
fair in complexion, with light brown or perhaps auburn hair, 
and blue eyes, with a tinge of grey in them, he might be said to 
possess a more than common share of physical beauty. His 
voice was soft and gentle in conversation, but full and sonorous 
in public. His quickness of perception gave him almost a 
poetic nature, which in boyish life manifested itself in writing 
charades and other trifles, very clever in their way; but he had 
the wisdom to resign ambition of that sort. In his maturity 
his mind was ever seeking knowledge. Philosophy, poetry, or 
science were alike eagerly pursued, and enabled him, by his 
conversational power, to add pleasure to any circle where he 
felt at home. 

Naturally impulsive, he gave his soul to every act; and to 
this ardent nature he added a persistency of purpose rarely 
found in unison with it. What he thought right for him to do 
was always done, whatever might be the consequence to him- 
self, or however others might judge of the act. 

We know but little of the awful catastrophe by which he 
was transferred to a sphere where his various powers of intel- 
lect shall have a wider range and fuller development. But 
this we do know. Our country has lost a true patriot. His 
city one of her most gifted citizens. His friends a genial com- 
panion. His family a member beloved alike for the rich treas- 
ures of his mind and heart. 

He has left four children, who have always been under the 
excellent care of their mother. 




@>P^D@!)AL Efci@@E$® 



OF THE 



Military Services of General Davis. 



War Department, 

Adjutant General's Office, 

January 25, 1871. 

Hasbrouck Davis was enrolled November 18, 1861, and 
mustered into service February, 1862, at Chicago, Illinois, as 
Lieutenant Colonel 12th Illinois Cavalry. The field and staff 
of the regiment was mustered in this date. 

October 30, 1862. Voss, the Colonel, went on recruiting ser- 
vice, and Lieutenant Colonel Davis assumed command of the 
regiment at Williamsport, Maryland, and remained in com- 
mand of regiment at above-named place, and Dumfries, Vir- 
ginia, until February 11, 1863, when he went to Illinois on re- 
cruiting service. 

September 12, 1862. This regiment evacuated Martinsburg, 
Virginia, September 12, 1862, arrived at Harper's Ferry same 
day, and cut its way out of that place on the evening of the 
14th, and marched for Greencastle, Va., capturing on the Wil- 



Hamsport and Hagerstown pike a portion of the enemy's train 
and about one thousand prisoners ; marched from Greencastle 
through to Williamsport, Md., where it arrived September 27, 
1862. April 30, 1863, mustered present with regiment, at Kel- 
ley's Ford, Va. June 30, 1863, mustered absent on detached 
service, Yorktown, Va. 

Commanding detachment 12th Illinois Cavalry August 31, 
1863 ; on court of inquiry, Washington, D. C, November 7 ; 
joined regiment November 30, in command of regiment at 
Camp Stoneman. 

December 31, 1863, in command of regiment at Camp Fry, 
Chicago; January 5, 1864, mustered in Colonel. 

February 28, 1864, present with regiment at Camp Gamble, 
Missouri. 

March 31, 1864, on board steamer E. Walsh, en route for 
New Orleans, with regiment. 

Arrived there April 8, 1864, and at Alexandria, La., April 
23, 1864. 

June 30, 1864, absent in command of Post Napoleonsville, 
La., to sometime in September, 1864. 

September 30, in command of Post of Donaldsonville, La. 

October 31, 1864, at Baton Rouge, La., in command of 3d 
Cavalry Brigade Cavalry Division. 

November 30, 1864, in the field commanding 3d Brigade 
Cavalry Division. 

December 29, 1864, on leave of absence 20 days from ar- 
rival at Cairo. 

January 31, 1865, on detached service, and February 28 in 
command of 2d Brigade Cavalry Division, Department of Mis- 
sissippi ; continued in command until April 24, 1865, when 
granted 20 days leave; S. O. 102, Department Cumbeijand, 
dated April 18, 1865. 

May 30, 1865, reported in command of 2d Brigade Cavalry 
Division, D. W. Tennessee. 



June 30, 1865, Brevet Brigadier General ; present sick at 
Alexandria, La. 

July 31, 1865, Brevet Brigadier General; present sick at 
Alexandria, La. 

Resigned, resignation accepted to date, August 1, 1865, per 
S. O. 32, Headquarters Cavalry, Alexandria, La. 

Brevet Brigadier General Volunteers, "for gallant and meri- 
torious service," to rank from March 13, 1865. 

(Signed) THOMAS M. VINCENT, 

Assistant Adjutant General. 





IM)@R^P8©A 



FURNISHED BY 



General Hamilton B. Dox, of Chicago. 



The first time the 12th met the enemy was after the evacua- 
tion of Winchester by General White, of Chicago. It had be- 
come necessary, therefore, that the forces at Martinsburg, Va., 
should establish their outposts. Lieutenant Colonel Davis was 
placed in command of these stations. About five miles from 
camp, on the Martinsburg and Winchester pike, on the morn- 
ing of the 5th September, 1862, he scouted the country as far 
as Bunker Hill, where he came up with the enemy's cavalry, in 
numbers far superior to his own. These were in strong position, 
but the scouting party, by a vigorous charge, routed them and 
drove them several miles, killing, wounding, and capturing a 
considerable number. 

On Saturday morning at daybreak the enemy, having been 
largely reinforced, and designing to capture Colonel Davis and 
his command, made a bold attempt to get to his rear and cut 
him off from his camp at Martinsburg. Anticipating this 
movement Colonel Davis sent out a small party under Lieuten- 
ant Logan to reconnoiter. This detachment was surrounded. 



but the men succeeded in cutting their way through the enemy 
and again joined the Colonel, who immediately despatched a 
messenger to Martinsburg for reinforcements. Capt. J. W. 
Grosvenor, (afterwards Major and Lieutenant Colonel,) com- 
manding company A, with 40 men was immediately ordered for- 
ward, to be followed by the remainder of the 12th as soon as 
they could be got ready. As soon as the Captain reported Col- 
onel Davis ordered him out at once to meet the enemy. He 
drove several squads of rebels from ambush in the woods and 
roadsides, until he reached Darksville, where he met the enemy 
in force to the number of 800. As the little band of Federal 
cavalry approached the graybacks, the latter fired upon them at 
short range, severely wounding the Captain and killing Lieuten- 
ant Luff's horse, thus leaving the company without a com- 
mander. Colonel Davis then led the men in person. His pres- 
ence animated the troops, and his voice was heard above the 
din of conflict calling upon his men to follow him. Away they 
went, madly, furiously upon the enemy, drawing their sabres as 
they charged, scorning to use their pistols, but delivering their 
concentrated blows — the sabre blows of forty resolute, noble 
heroes against 800 rebels in position — all in cold steel, and 
finally drove them until their retreat became a rout, and the 
forty men literally masters of the field, the enemy running way 
beyond Winchester before they could be rallied. It is true 
that in the meantime the remainder of the regiment had come 
up, and that they joined the brave little band of forty and 
completed the disaster of the rebels on the occasion, but it was 
really the valor, the dash, the bravery of this ever-memorable 
forty under Colonel Davis that did the business. The result of 
this encounter was that twenty-five rebels were buried on the 
field, including Lieutenant Carroll, of the Maryland battalion, 
who, by-the-way, was a grandson of Charles Carroll, of Carrol- 
ton. Fifty rebels with their horses and equipments were taken 
back prisoners to the Federal camp, many severely wounded by 



in 



sabre cuts and thrusts. General White, who had assumed com- 
mand of the post at Martinsburg, a few days previously, re- 
ported to the Secretary of War the result of this battle, and 
Mr. Stanton responded in terms highly complimentary,* thank- 
ing the officers and men for their gallantry on this occasion. 

A few days subsequent to this gallant affair the 12th rejoined 
General White's command, and with it fell back before superior 
numbers of the enemy, and on the morning of September 12th, 
1862, entered Harper's Ferry. 

On the night of the 14th Colonel Davis (having received per- 
mission from Colonel Miles) with the cavalry, in all some 2,000, 
cut his way out of Harper's Ferry. The column left Harper's 
Ferry at 8 p. m., and proceeded to Sharpsburg, Md., thence to 
within two miles of Williamsport, Md. At this point it inter- 
cepted a part of Longstreet's train and captured 112 wagons 
loaded with ammunition and supplies, 100 head of beef-cattle, 
and 50 prisoners. The column reached Greencastle, Pennsylva- 
nia, on the morning of the 15th, after marching sixty-five miles. 
The regiment joined the forces on the Upper Potomac, Sep- 
tember 20th, 1862, and served there until November 8, 1862, 
when it marched to Dumfries, and with the forces there defended 
and held the place against a greatly superior force of cavalry 
and artillery under Generals J. E. B. Stuart and Fitz Hugh 
Lee. 

On the 3d May, 1863, Colonel Davis received orders from 
General Stoneman to penetrate to the Fredericksburg railroad, 
and, if possible, to the Virginia Central, and destroy communi- 
cation between Richmond and Lee's army, then confronting 
Hooker on the Rappahannock. In case the latter part of the 
programme was carried out, the regiment was to make for Wil- 
liamsburg, supposed to be in possession of General Keyes, of 
our army, who had been sent up the Peninsula, as a means of 
diverting the attention of the rebels. The 12th began the 
march before daybreak, passing down the bank of the South 



n 



Anna through a region never before occupied by our forces. It 
burned one bridge and dispersed a party of mounted guerillas, 
who made a poor attempt to oppose it. The first line of rail- 
way was struck at Ashland. Lieutenant Mitchell, with a party 
of about a dozen men, was sent ahead to occupy the place. 
He dashed into the village and took it without loss. The in- 
habitants were much astonished at the appearance of this Yan- 
kee force in their midst, and it required a good deal of persua- 
sion before they became assured that their persons and property 
would not be harmed. When the remainder of the regiment 
came up, the boys were set to work cutting the telegraph wires 
and tearing up the rails. A quantity of boards were piled in 
the trestle-work of a railroad bridge south of the town, which 
being ignited, made an immense fire and soon consumed the 
entire structure. While at this work a train of cars approached 
the village, was captured, and brought in for inspection. It 
proved to be an ambulance train from Fredericksburg, of seven 
cars filled with two hundred and fifty sick and wounded officers 
and soldiers, with a guard. Among those captured were an Aid 
to General Letcher and several officers of high rank. Colonel 
Davis, after receiving from them their version of the battle of 
Chancellorsville, paroled them and let them go, leaving the 
cars for the benefit of the poor fellows who were more seriously 
injured. The engine and tender of the train, together with an- 
other found in the town, were rendered completely useless by a 
mechanic from the ranks. 

After destroying a wagon train and quantity of harness, and 
taking about eighty mules, the regiment moved out of Ashland. 
When about five miles from the town word was brought that 
eighteen wagons were camped in the woods near by. Captain 
Roder, with companies B and C, was sent to destroy them, 
which he did. The Central railroad was struck at Hanover 
Station, on the afternoon of the 5th. Although wearied and 
exhausted by the day's march, Colonel Davis thought it best to 



complete the duty assigned him and break all the enemy's con- 
nections before going into camp. Thirty officers and men were 
captured and paroled at the station. Captain Hears was 
ordered to destroy the trestle-work, which reached about ten 
rods to the south of the depot. The work was effectually done 
by the same process as at Ashland, and by its blaze could be 
clearly discerned the Confederate guards passively standing at 
the other end. They also burned a culvert and cut the tele- 
graph wires and burned the depot buildings, storehouses, stables, 
and a train of cars, all belonging to the rebel government and 
filled with property. 

By the light of the burning buildings the regiment left the 
station and marched on down to within seven miles of Rich- 
mond, bivouacked there till 8 o'clock the next morning, when 
it marched for Williamsburg. At Tunstall Station (near the 
White House and the Richmond and Yorktown railroad) a 
train of cars filled with infantry and a three gun battery was 
run up with the intention of debarking there and giving battle 
to the 12th. Colonel Davis at once took measures to break 
through this force before the men could be got out of the cars 
or the battery in position. He therefore brought up the two 
foremost squadrons and ordered a charge, which was executed, 
Captain Reans, with companies D and F, taking the lead. 
This charge was made most gallantly. The infantry filled the 
embankment of the railway and poured upon the boys a severe 
fire ; but the brave fellows dashed up the embankment and with 
carbines and pistols responded to the fire with equal effect. It 
was impossible, however, to break through. There were formid- 
able riflepits to the left of the road, which the enemy soon 
filled. The 12th retired from the conflict with a loss of two 
killed and several wounded, among the latter Lieutenant Marsh, 
who was one of the foremost in the charge. Failing to penetrate 
the enemy's lines at this point, Colonel Davis determined to cross 
the Pamunkey and Mattapony rivers and make for Gloucester's 



13 



Point. In this movement he had nothing to guide him but a 
common map of the State of Virginia, and he also was in en- 
tire ignorance of the position of the enemy's force, except that 
the line before him was closed The only information he could 
gather was from ignorant contrabands. He selected Plunkett's 
Ferry over the Pamunkey and occupied it, after driving away a 
picket on the other side, with whom the regiment exchanged 
shots. The regiment was crossed in a boat holding fifteen or 
eighteen men and horses, which was poled across the river. In 
the same manner the passage of the Mattapony was made at 
Walkertown, after driving away the pickets. The 12th cap- 
tured fifteen rebels and destroyed a quantity of saddles at 
King's and Queen's Court-House. From Walkertown the regi- 
ment marched to Gloucester's Point, having traveled a distance 
of over two hundred miles, much of it through southern homes 
never before disturbed by the presence of an enemy. Not far 
from Sadula the regiment captured and destroyed a train of 
eighteen wagons loaded with corn and provisions. 

The total loss sustained by the 12th in this most remarkable 
raid was two commissioned officers and thirty-three enlisted 
men ; while the regiment brought with it as results of the expe- 
dition one hundred mules and seventy-five horses captured from 
the enemv. A much larger number of animals were captured 
in the course of the march, but they could not be brought 
along. The amount of property destroyed was estimated at 
over a million of dollars. While a portion of the 12th re- 
mained at Gloucester's Point one battalion was sent to General 
Dix, commanding at Fortress Monroe, and the remainder re- 
ported at Alexandria. The detachment which reported to 
General Dix, under command of Colonel Davis, made frequent 
forays into the interior counties for the purpose of suppressing 
a band of smugglers who infested that district. On one of 
these expeditions a rebel general, William H. Lee, a son of 
Robert E. Lee, was captured and taken to Fortress Monroe. 



u 



On the 20th November, 1863, the 12th was ordered home to 
Illinois to reorganize as veterans. This distinguished privi- 
lege was awarded to the reginent by the Secretary of War 
"for brilliant services in the field." 

On arrival at Chicago the men were all furloughed, subse- 
quently rejoining the regiment at Camp Fry, Chicago. The 
ranks were not only filled to the maximum but an excess of 
nearly three hundred recruits were turned over to the 17th 
Illinois Cavalry. 

On the 9th February, 1864, the regiment started for St. 
Louis and went into camp there. In the early days of March 
it embarked on transports for New Orleans, and shortly after 
arriving there was ordered to join General Banks on his retreat 
down the Red river, being in action at Alexandria, April 28th, 
May 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th; Markville, May 15th; Yellow 
Bayou, May 17th, losing a large number of men. At the con- 
clusion of the disastrous Red River Campaign the 12th returned 
to New Orleans ; was almost immediately ordered to do picket 
duty on the Lafourche from Donaldsouville to Thibodeaux, 
Louisiana, continuing on this line during the summer. In the 
early part of September it was ordered to report to General 
Lee, commanding the cavalry division at Baton Rouge, where 
it was actively employed in picket and scouting duty, Colonel 
Davis commanding the third brigade. In the early part of No- 
vember the brigade and the other cavalry regiments under Gen- 
eral A. L. Lee made an expedition to Liberty, Mississippi, where 
they had a severe action, driving the enemy and capturing a 
number of prisoners, cannon, and small arms. Subsequently 
the brigade ( commanded by Colonel Davis) participated in 
General Davidson's expedition against Mobile; returned to 
Baton Rouge. The regiment was ordered to Memphis, January 
5th, 1865, joining General Osband's division, General Davis 
commanding the brigade, which did scouting and picket duty 
until ordered to join General Custar's cavalry division at Alex- 



andria, La. The General remained in the service until the ac- 
ceptance of his resignation, August 1st, 1865. 



The above is taken mainly from a work entitled " The Pa- 
triotism of Illinois." 

I did not join the regiment until January, 1864, but from 
what the General has often told me, and his writing to me from 
time to time when lie was in the field, it is the best account I 
can find, though not by any means doing him full justice. 

The organization and acceptance of the regiment was mainly 
due to him, and to him it owes the reputation it won in the 

field. 

His charge at Darksville was most decisive and brilliant. 
The cutting-out at Harper's Ferry was not only his own con- 
ception but he did not rest until he secured the necessary order 
from Colonel Miles. General Davis, of the 8th New York 
cavalry, a regular army officer, aided him in obtaining this. 
His own Colonel, as on many other occasions, was too inert to 
be of any use. It was an extremely hazardous undertaking 
most admirably carried out. Though not nominally, the Gen- 
eral was really in command. He was constantly in active ser- 
vice from this on with his regiment in every fight. 

With regard to the so-called Stonemau raid, Stoneman asked 
for a regiment to make this expedition, which he considered so 
important that, as he expressed himseli, they could afford to 
sacrifice a regiment if it could accomplish the work laid out. 
The General volunteered, and alter a most thorough personal 
inspection of his regiment, started with about three hundred, 
i taking with him only the best of the men and horses,) carried 
out the orders, and brought his regiment back when it was giv- 
en up for lost. Kilpatrick subsequently sent Dahlgren over 
the same ground, but with most lamentable results. On subse- 



quently visiting Washington the General was sent for by the 
President and gave hira and Halleck an account of his expedi- 
tion. 

It was owing to the General that the regiment was the first 
in our State that re-enlisted as veterans and sent home to be 
furloughed and recruit. The estimation it was held in here 
was shown in the short time that its ranks were recruited to 
more than maximum. 

On the Banks retreat the cavalry had to protect the rear. 
Here again he had hard fighting, and did good service. He 
was wounded in one of the engagements, but kept his saddle. 

On the Lafourche he kept his command active in scouting 
duty, with good results. On reporting with his regiment to 
General Lee, commanding cavalry division at Baton Rouge, 
September, 1864, he was assigned to command of 3d brigade, 
(2d and 12th Illinois cavalry.) At Liberty, Mississippi, it was 
owing to him that the whole command was not captured. 

On the Davidson raid he endeavored to obtain permission to 
cut loose from the main column two divisions of cavalry, and 
with his brigade attempt the cutting of the Mobile and Ohio 
Railroad. It would have been a perilous undertaking, but if 
he had received the wished for orders, I feel confident he would 
have succeeded. 

The General remained in command of a brigade, until join- 
ing General Custar's command at Alexandria, when he ten- 
dered his resignation. 

On his return to Chicago, the General resumed the practice 
of law. On the 1st June, 1866, he purchased an interest in 
the Chicago Evening Post, remaining until April, 1867, when 
he disposed of the same. While with the Post he was not only 
editor, but manager, and brought it up from obscurity to a posi- 
tion of influence and power. He was subsequently elected City 
Attorney, and served as such for nearly two years with marked 
ability. 



n 




Lettei\s and 'Resolutions. 



The General had many friends here, and his loss is most 
keenly felt, particularly by those who knew him best. I am 
met by people of every station in life with the kindest and most 
appreciative expressions in regard to him. 

It is impossible for me to realize that our long intimacy 
should thus be ended. No friend was so close to me, and it is 
hard to think I shall never see him again. 

Deeply sympathizing with you in your great loss, 

I remain, yours truly, 

Hamilton B. Dox. 



Kingston, Ulster Co., N. Y., 

October 26, 1870. 
My Dear Sir. 

I trust you will not consider intrusive my expression of sym- 
pathy in the loss of your brother, whose melancholy fate I read 
in yesterday's paper. Your father favored me with his friend- 
ship and confidence during his life, and signally marked his 
regard for me by giving my name to his son, whose loss we now 
deplore. Under such circumstances I am sure you will not look 



upon me as a mere stranger intermeddling with the painful feel- 
ings of the occasion. It has not been my fortune to become ac- 
quainted with either you or your brother, but my reverence of 
your father's memory has led me to note your progress through 
life, and I am gratified to know that his fair fame has not been 
dishonored by his children. 

Should your mother be still alive she may be gratified to 
learn my sincere condolence.- 

With much regard, yours, &c, 

A. Bruyn Hasbrouck. 

J. C. B. Davis, Esq. 



Dorchester, Massachusetts, 

October 27, 1870. 
My Dear Mrs. Davis. 

The uncertainty that has hitherto hung over the fate of Has- 
brouck has hindered me from writing to you as my heart most 
surely prompted me to do, telling you how sincerely I have 
sympathized with you in your great grief. General Davis I 
never saw. The able Attorney of the City of Chicago I never 
knew; but Hasbrouck, the mild, gentle, timid, shrinking boy; 
the faithful scholar and devoted teacher in our schools; the 
affectionate companion and playmate in our homes, I recall dis- 
tinctly, and can share your painful feelings now that he has 
been torn from you by an event so awfully sudden. But I 
pray you to be comforted by the thought that a wiser than 
human hand has permitted this; that Hasbrouck has passed 
from the world with so little of suffering, and that a large cir- 
cle of friends share in your sorrow. I have no doubt you will 
patiently receive and with a deepened trust bear what has been 
laid upon you. 

Mrs. Hill wishes to express her heartfelt sympathy. 
Your old friend, 

Alonzo Hill. 



Boston, October 29, 1870. 
My Dear Mrs. Davis. 

I can assure you that I was deeply distressed to hear of the 
death of your gallant son in the ill-fated Cambria. We have 
not met since the war except for a moment, but during the war 
we met on several occasions. A few days after Antietam the 
regiment he commanded was detailed to accompany the brigade 
of infantry I then commanded in a movement up the Potomac 
to prevent the crossing of the enemy at Williamsburg, which 
was for some reason then anticipated. On that day we had 
much interesting conversation as to the extrication of his regi- 
ment from the unfortunate and disreputable surrender of Har- 
per's Ferry. As I felt a great regard for him, both as an officer 
and in private life, you will not, I know, feel the expression of 
my sincere sympathy in your great loss as obtrusive, although I 
am well aware no earthly consideration can alleviate the grief 
of a mother who mourns for a son. 

Believe me yours, most sincerely and respectfully, 

Charles Devens. 



Boston, November 7, 1870. 
My Dear Davis. 

I wish to offer you my condolence on the loss of your dis- 
tinguished brother, for I suppose there is no longer hope. 

This comes close to me, for I made the passage out to Europe 
in the Cambria, only the second before her wreck. I came to 
know the captain and officers well, as is my wont at sea, and the 
qualities and condition of the boat. We passed through the 
Strait of Donegal by early daylight, and, being on deck, I asked 

Captain G if the island was not a dangerous place in bad 

weather. He said it was a place to be avoided, and gave me an 
account of a merchant vessel that was wrecked there. On this 
island the poor Cambria ran, at night, and in very heavy 



weather I suppose, from the only evidence we have. A few 
months ago I lost a brother, long an invalid, who had for years 
given up all hope of labor, and who died of lingering pain. You 
are at once, by a sudden wrench from life, called to mourn a 
brother in the full vigor of conscious merit and the ability to 
act. So, one way or another, these lessons of life and death, of 
the certainty of nothing, mortal and material, are taught us. 

I sincerely wish you all the comfort you can gain from the 
memory of his high character, self-denying, self-sacrificing, and 
heroic virtues. 

Believe me, truly yours, 

Richard H. Dana. 

Hon. Bancroft Davis. 



Springfield, Mass., 

November 12, 1870. 
Gen. J. D. Webster, Chicago, III. 

Dear Gen.: Permit to join you and your comrades in your 
expressions of regret at the loss of our distinguished fellow-sol- 
dier, Gen. Hasbrouck Davis, and to tender, through you, to his 
bereaved family my heartfelt sympathy in their sad affliction. 

I had the honor, as an humble private soldier, attached to a 
squadron of Rhode Island cavalry, to follow General Davis on 
that midnight ride out of Harper's Ferry, when, by his wisdom, 
courage, and patriotic devotion, manifested by him on so many 
occasions during the war, the entire cavalry force at that place 
were saved from the shameful surrender that followed. 

Then only 17 years of age, I remember how I almost wor- 
shiped General Davis, and surround his name in my mind with 
everything noble, high, and good ; and now I cannot help think- 
ing, with sadness and pride, at the position he must have 
assumed during the last terrible moments on board the ill-fated 
steamer. 



God bless his memory and protect those dear to him left 
behind. 

I am yours, very respectfully, 

H. M. Phillip. 



Dublin, December 8, 1870. 

***** 

It was with great pain I learned that your brother was on 
board the ill-fated steamer. He was a gifted, manly fellow, 
who had faithfully served his country and would have done it 
further service. I am sure you greatly feel his loss, and am 
sure, too, that the calamity must have given a severe shock to 
the declining years of your mother. 

With Mrs. Eaton I visited the Giant's Causeway and the 
coast still nearer, only eleven miles from the scene of the ship- 
wreck, and two days after it happened. The day of our arrival 
towering waves were setting in from its direction, and on that 
very night the body of a female passenger came to the beach — 
not an exile from Erin, but one of our naturalized country- 
women. And as I walked along the cliffs and listened to the 
thundering billows below, seeing among them fragments of 
trunks and rigging ; and down upon the shore, examined a long 
teak plank, with marks of the berth it lined ; and thought of 
all that had happened, we did not know that any friend of ours 
would be one of the many mourners caused by the calamity of 
that sad night. It is a comfort to know all must have been 

over in a moment; there were no dread hours of apprehension. 

***** 

Ever and faithfully yours, 

D. B. Eaton. 



Chicago, November 10, 1870. 
Mrs. John Davis. 

Madam : I have the honor to transmit herewith copy of re- 



solutions adopted at a meeting of the comrades and friends of 
the late General Davis and Colonel Hayden, in this city, on the 
fifth instant. 

Your obedient servant, 

J. H. A. Bartels. 

An adjourned meeting of the comrades and friends of the late 
General Hasbrouck Davis and Colonel R. Nelson Hayden was 
held at the Briggs House, on Saturday afternoon, November 
5th, 1870. 

General J. D. Webster was elected chairman and J. H. A. 
Bartels and August Severenz were appointed secretaries. 

After addresses by General J. S. Beveridge, Major S. J. J. 
Nissen, Captain James Daly, General A. C. McClurg, Major 
Wm. M. Luff, Dr. John McCarthy, Colonel Oldushott, and 
Fernando Jones, Esq., the following resolutions were adopted: 

Whereas, we have learned with profound sorrow of the 
death of General Hasbrouck Davis and Colonel R. Nelson 
Hayden, formerly of the 12th Illinois cavalry, by the loss at 
sea of the steamship "Cambria," on the 19th of October, 
1870: Therefore— 

Resolved, That in the death of General Davis the nation has 
lost one of its bravest and ablest defenders, society a distin- 
guished member, and we a loved and honored soldier and de- 
voted friend. 

Resolved, That we sincerely mourn his death and cordially 
unite in bearing testimony to his worth. As a soldier he was 
original and daring in conception, and brilliant and successful 
in execution; as a citizen, able, upright, and patriotic; as a 
friend, genial, generous, and true. He was a ripe scholar, an 
able lawyer, and an eloquent advocate. 

Resolved, That in Colonel Hayden we have lost a brave and 
capable officer, a faithful comrade, an honored and cherished 



friend, and the State a worthy citizen and true patriot. He 
■was endeared to us alike by his gallantry in action, his conduct 
on the march and in camp, and his manly and genial social 
qualities. 

Resolved, That while our friends have ended their career 
while in their prime, yet, in all that makes a life useful or hon- 
orable, we may look upon theirs as complete. They have gone 
to their rest, leaving nothing to be* regretted but their untimely 
end. 

Resolved, That we tender to the relatives and friends of our 
deceased comrades our heartfelt sympathy in their affliction, 
and that a copy of these resolutions be forwarded to them. 

J. D. Webster, 

Chairman. 
J. H. A. Bartels, 

Secretary. 



Resolutions of the Cook County Bar. 

An adjourned meeting of the bar was held on yesterday after- 
noon in the Law Institute. On motion of Mr. Evans the fol- 
lowing resolutions were adopted : 

Having heard with feelings of great sorrow of the death of 
our late brother, Hasbrouck Davis, in accordance with a long 
established and proper custom of this bar, we unite in the fol- 
lowing resolutions, expressive in some degree of our respect for 
his character as a lawyer and our esteem for his worth as a 
man. 

Resolved, That to many of us who knew him as a lawyer his 
memory is endeared by our recollection of his manly presence, 
his refined and scholarly acquirements, his eloquence and devo- 
tion to his clients' interests, and to the few of us who knew him 
also as a companion and friend, by our knowledge of his con- 



stancy, his genial and generous nature, his readiness to punish 
a wrong, his willingness to forgive an injury. 

Resolved, That while the reputation of our deceased brother 
as a lawyer, having now become the heritage of his professional 
brethren, shall be by us carefully and kindly preserved, we feel 
that his character as a man may be most safely entrusted to the 
keeping of those who knew him thoroughly and well, who will 
be its truest and most vigilant guardians. 

Eulogiums upon the deceased, General Davis, were delivered 
by several members of the bar, after which the meeting ad- 
journed. 



Meeting of the Alumni of Williams College. 

At a meeting of the Alumni of Williams College, in Chicago, 
held in that city on the 16th of February, 1871, General R. 
W. Smith (of the class of 1850), in response to a toast to "The 
Memory of General Hasbrouck Davis," said: 

My Brothers Alumni. 

In the midst of this pleasant social gathering we are but too 
sadly reminded that all is not joyous. The richest rose has its 
thorn, and in the sweetest cup of cheer and pleasure there is 
often found the bitter tear. Memory, true to herself and to us, 
brings to this scene recollections of sadness. All are not here. 
One of our number is missing, and his seat will always be va- 
cant. 

In responding to the beautiful memorial sentiment just read, 
I am stirred with feelings of joy, mingled with deep emotions 
of sadness and sorrow. Of joy, because of the earnest mani- 
festations of sympathy and respect shown to the memory of our 
brother by his friends and associates ; of sadness and sorrow, 
because of the sudden and melancholy death of our friend, cut 



down in the prime and vigor of his manhood, and at the noon- 
tide of his usefulness. 

But a very short time since General Hasbrouck Davis was at 
the Chicago Bar, in the daily discharge of his duties, with the 
same prospect of long life before him that any of us now enjoy, 
and before many of us even knew that he had sailed for foreign 
lands, the startling announcement is made : The Cambria is 
lost, and she and her cargo of human souls have perished in 
the deep. 

General Davis went down with that ill-fated band, and now 
there is to us nothing left of him but his memory. He is be- 
yond the call of any, 

" Until the sea give up the dead which are in it." 

It was my good fortune to have known General Davis long 
and well. I made his acquaintance, I think, at the first court 
I ever attended in Chicago, and from that time until his pass- 
ing away I often met him at the bar and on the field, and have 
known him in the social relations of life. And I am now grat- 
ified to be able, and most cheerfully do, bear testimony to his 
rare richness and ripeness as a scholar, his uniform urbanity as 
a gentleman, his courtesy and ability as a lawyer, and his scru- 
pulous and uncompromising integrity as a man. He was a true 
patriot, a brave and gallant soldier. 

Naturally of not very warm social instincts, he was modest 
and retiring in his habit, always devoted to his friends, and 
never obtrusive in his public or private associations. He was 
a man to be remembered, and those who knew him best will 
miss him most. 

As we press along through the hurrying, changing scenes of 
life, here and there, one and another of our friends drops out of 
the ranks, the column closes up, and we move on as before, 
soon forgetting that a comrade is missing. 

""Pis true, and pity 'tis, 'tis true." 

If we should nurture more carefully and earnestly those bet« 



ter instincts of our nature, those higher inspirations of our 
nobler humanity, that make us cling more closely to our friends, 
and value more sacredly their friendships, and seek less after 
fame and the empty applause of the multitude, we would be- 
come better men, and be longer remembered and more sorrow- 
fully mourned when we pass away. 

"The evil that men do lives after them, 
The good is oft interred with their bones." 

In the remembrance of our friend let us reverse the saying of 
the poet, forgetting and forgiving his faults and his failings, 
emulating only his virtues and remembering only his goodness. 

But our friend is no more. He who but yesterday was as 
hopeful and joyful as we, as healthful and vigorous as any, has 
lain off his armor ; he has answered the call of the last messen- 
ger, and gone upon that long journey from which there is no 
return. He has gone, bearing with him the record of his life 
and his deeds, to that court in which there is no error, and 
from whose judgments there is no appeal. He will not return 
to participate in the daily busy scenes in which we, his surviv- 
ors, may yet for a little while engage. He cannot come to us, 
but we will surely follow him. 

And, my friends, when the summons does come to call you 
and me to the bar of the " quick and the dead," may we all 
find there "a friend that sticketh closer than a brother," and a 
prevailing advocate before the Judge of all the earth. 




27 




ExTI\ACTS FROM NEWSPAPERS, 



[Chicago Tribune, October 22, 1870.] 

A cable despatch brings us the painful intelligence that Gen- 
eral Hasbrouck Davis, of this city, was one of the passengers 
of the ill-fated steamer Cambria, wrecked off the coast of Eng- 
land. General Davis left this city a few weeks ago for an ex- 
tended European tour, to include a visit to the armies now 
operating on French soil. The news of his terrible fate will 
prove a severe shock to his many warm friends in this city, who 
will sincerely mourn his untimely and terrible end. The least 
that could be said of him is, that he was a thorough gentleman 
and soldier, without fear or reproach. 



[Chicago Republican.] 

Late last night news reached Chicago of the loss of the 
steamer Cambria, belonging to the Anchor line. The despatch 
states that the steamer Enterprise, from Galveston to London- 
derry, picked up a boat off Innishaven Head, at three o'clock 
on Thursday afternoon, containing a sailor and corpse of a girl. 



The sailor stated that the steamer Cambria struck at 10 o'clock 
the night previous on Innisthravel Island and became a total 
wreck. Four other boats containing passengers left the steamer, 
but have not yet been heard of. The sailor reports that his 
own boat was upset and all in it but himself were drowned. A 
full list of passengers on the ill-fated steamer is given, and 
among the names is that of General Hasbrouck Davis. The 
friends of General Davis had received, up to a late hour, no 
other intelligence than that contained in the despatch alluded 
to. 

General Hasbrouck Davis came to Chicago in 1854, and is 
well known here, having taken an active part in politics, and 
having held the office of City Attorney. 

He was born in Worcester, Massachusetts. His father, John 
Davis, was for some years the colleague of Daniel Webster in 
the Senate, and for his sterling integrity was familiarly known 
as "Honest John." J. Bancroft Davis, Assistant Secretary of 
State, is a brother of the General. He was educated partly in 
America, partly in Germany, and had the reputation of be- 
ing a most accomplished and scholarly man. In literary mat- 
ters he occupied a high position. On coming to Chicago he 
embarked in the profession to which he had been trained — that 
of a lawyer — and practiced successfully until the breaking out 
of the great, rebellion, when he forsook his profession for the 
field of battle. He chose the cavalry branch of the service, 
and joined the 12th regiment of Illinois cavalry as Lieutenant 
Colonel. From the time he entered the service he distinguished 
himself by his indomitable courage and cheerfulness while 
struggling with hardships and difficulties which beset every 
soldier when in the field. One brilliant instance of his bravery 
will be remembered by those who were at Harper's Ferry on 
the memorable 16th of September, 1863. The rebels in trem- 
endous force had appeared before Harper's Ferry with the de- 
termination to force a surrender. They erected batteries on the 



heights, and on the 14th opened a murderous fire on the Union 
garrison, and kept up the bombardment until the — th, when 
the place was compelled to surrender. A few hours previous to 
the surrender 2,500 cavalry under General Davis cut their way 
through the enemy's lines, while the remainder of the garrison, 
numbering 11,000 men, became prisoners of war. Those who 
were present and witnessed the dashing exploits of General 
Davis were amazed at the undertaking. * 

He served in the Red river expedition under General Banks 
and was severely wounded. He did not resign his military 
command until the collapse of the rebellion, when he threw 
down arms and resumed law practice in Chicago. 

He afterwards connected himself with the Press, subsequent- 
ly retired from that profession, and was elected City Attorney 
of Chicago, which position he filled with marked ability and 
zeal. 



[Chicago Times, October 30, 1870.] 

GEN. HASBROUCK DAVIS. 

Some reminiscences of his military career. — The 
bravest of the brave.— how he probably met his 

FATE. 

That but two persons escaped from the ill-fated Cambria is an 
almost certain conclusion. One of these is an Indianian, and it 
is barely possible that from him the world may get some par- 
ticulars, in time, of one of the saddest catastrophes which has 
shocked the world for many a year. Chicago has an interest in 
a recital of this kind. Among the passengers of the lost steamer 
were several of our citizens. The most prominent among them 
was Gen. Hasbrouck Davis. The Hayden family, who went 
from here, was under the care of the General. What would be 

30 



of superlative Interest to learn would be the behavior : I 
during the trying moments or hours that preceded the filial ca- 
tastrophe. Those who knew him will not suppose for a moment 
that he faced the terrors of shipwreck, or that he went into the 
presence of death without ■ struggle. If ever the secrets of 
that h':>ur shall become known, it will be found that hi- 
effort was that of a strong and brave heart. 

P-r >ple who met the General about Chicago will scarcely 
believe that under his genial and polished exterior there existed 
one of the most courageous natu-r- the world has ever known, 
smiling, affable, a trifle suggest of indolence, he had 
yet the heart of a lion. If other proof were lacking, his mili- 
tary record would demonstrate this beyond a dou 

During the early part of the war General, then Colonel Davis. 
was at Martinsburg. Ya.. with his regiment, the 12th Illinois 
Cavalry. At a certain time Ja ksofl is approaching him from 
one direction, and a cavalry force, under Si mena I him 

from an opposite one. The latter annoyed him by cutting off 
his outside pickets and in various ot.Lt - 

finally determined to send out a force and drive him a 

S me infantry, a battery, and some cavalry were ordered to 
rendezvous at a certain prfint within the lines. Two companies 
valry. numbering in all only eighty men. were first on the 
ground, and were commanded by Clybourn and Grovesnor. of 
this city. When: - hed him. Davis started without 

waiting for the others. A few miles out he encountered fJ r 
the celebrated Black H r?; cavalry, who were drawn up in line 
awaiting his coming. Davis ordered his men to open fire on 
them : but the effect was trivial. The Getr 
lack of impression, roared out. M Boys, thi 
bines, draw vour sabres, and at them!" 

The command was obeyed. Davis himself led the squadron, 
and a moment later at a fierce gallop the little force thuL 

_ ::st the rebel cavalry. Their speed and elan were ir: - - 

si 



ible. The Confer: ■ resistance and empted a 

good manv Federal saddles, and then they lied. } 

:he pursuit continued, and then the retreat was blown. 
When Davis returned to camp he had for rLson- 

ers and tiny of their horses. His thorough insensibiL: 
led him to undertake enterprises which, with most men. would 
seem sheer foolishness or reeklese - -ation. He would 
quently si 3 line, ace jmpanit - re the 

Kj _':its of o". - i^rle squire, who, in th:? - - 

- geant. In full uniform, he would pass into thr ■ - ocu- 
pied by ; tee ::d would pen - a in 

every direction. Frequently he would h. are himse" 

fligh: : _. uerally his address - - — and 

.uman n.: ±eul- 

•nie them. On c n - d he passed an entire 

night in the town of Dumfries while it was oeeup. 

In these solitary exp; tHtons is _ 

errant and Uhlan. His -very insolence ca a He was 

supposed to be accompanied by an adec. ... e, and i: 

way he would alw.. - - - '.ling parties of the e: 

or reconn :ure some small place with 

Tl. a - public dm a 

Ferry, [t was g :o him almost 

the ca :ve at that place was not included in tl 

White surrender of the position. F - id he lar 

secure Ides penussaon : attempt : at fa - j the 

btained after arduous and unceasing efforts. 
Iu tins transaction the gallantry ... . . 

' - ■ 

- - - 

The entire 2,000 horsemen 
eight o'clock in the morning 

much ss • * 



The success of the enterprise is historical. Credit, however, 
has been given to Miles for the transaction, while the truth is it 
was accomplished by Gen. Davis only after having long and 
persistently combatted the opposition of the very man to whom 
the public ascribes the honor of the undertaking. 

These occurrences, as well as the prominent and historical 
part taken by Gen. Davis in the noted Stoneman raid, proves 
that he was a man of no ordinary courage ; and they enable the 
world to comprehend somewhat of the spirit which probably 
animated him during the last moments of his life. From these 
facts it is safe to infer that he struggled, not so much, perhaps, 
for his own life as for the lives of others; even up to the very 
moment when fate finally stilled his gallant heart. * * * 

The final scenes of that disaster may never be known, but if 
they shall be, it is certain it will be found that the coolest, the 
bravest, the most hopeful of all who went down into the waters, 
was Hasbrouck Davis. 

F. B. W. 



[New York World, October 29, 1870.] 

General Hasbrouck Davis was an able lawyer, and one of our 
best officers during the war. He was a native of Worcester, 
Mass. He settled at Chicago in 1854, and immediately on the 
breaking out of war joined the 12th Illinois Cavalry, of which 
he was made Lieutenant-Colonel. When Harper's Ferry was 
surrendered to the Confederates by Miles, Davis refused to join 
in the capitulation, and fought his way through the enemy's line 
with 2,500 horse. The remainder of the command became 
prisoners of war. He was one of the Stoneman raid command- 
ers, and led his men within five miles of Richmond. He was 
wounded in t^e Red river expedition. After the war he re- 
signed his commission and returned to the practice of law, in 
which he was successful. He was on a tour to Europe in the 



ill-fated Cambria, and was one of those who took to the boats 
at the sinking of the ship. 



[New York Commercial Advertiser, October 23, 1870.] 
General Hasbrouck Davis, of Chicago, who was lost in the 
Cambria, was a son of Governor and Senator, "Honest John 
Davis." He was born in Worcester, Mass., in 1827. Gradu- 
ated at Williams College in 1845. Was a Unitarian clergy- 
man for several years, and in 1854 went to Chicago as a lawyer. 
He was a prominent cavalry officer in the late war, and also 
City Attorney of Chicago. He was a man of high scholarship 
and fine character. 




LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 





010 732 990 % 



